Inmarsat has partnered with the International Mobile Satellite Organisation (IMSO) to launchea pilot project that aims to promote and improve maritime safety in the Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu.

Inmarsat has provided five of its Fleet One units under the initiative, which are designed to offer data to the seasonal or sporadic users when they move out of very high frequency (VHF) or global system for mobile communication (GSM) coverage areas.

The solution also supplies seafarers with sufficient data availability to download weather reports and navigational updates, and access emails for operational reasons, as well as make simultaneous voice calls and send SMS texts.

Inmarsat will provide free data usage for three months as part of the capacity-building pilot project, in addition to its 505 emergency and distress calling service on a permanent basis.

The five Fleet One units will be installed on the 20m Valerie landing craft, the 28.5m Warringa tugboat and three cargo / passenger vessels known as Makila, Kiwi Trader, and Vanuatu Ferry.